DeMint Statement on President Obama's Health Care Address to Congress
Statement
Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, made the following statement:
"Tonight's speech was a perfect example of why most Americans oppose President Obama's health plan. He continues to insist a government takeover of health care is the only option, while providing no proof it will lower costs or improve care, and he belittles the millions of informed Americans who oppose his plan. In short, his message tonight was: Be quiet America, Washington knows best."
"The bill that President Obama outlined tonight was the same thing we've heard from Democrats for years: more government control, more regulation, more mandates, more taxes, and less freedom and less choice for Americans. The President's claim that government run health care will not increase the deficit is offensive, as Medicare is tens of trillions in debt and Medicaid is bankrupting states."
"But a government takeover of health care is not the only option; there are better solutions to accomplish the President's goals. Republicans have pushed for common sense reforms for years. I have introduced my own bill, the Health Care Freedom Plan, that would ensures every American has access to health insurance they can own, afford and keep forever, but without raising taxes or taking away patient choice."
The Health Care Freedom Plan:
Protects the right of Americans to keep their employer-based plan if they so choose.
Provides Americans without employer-based health insurance with vouchers of $2000 for individuals and $5000 for families to purchase health insurance.
Allows Americans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to use their HSA funds to pay for insurance premiums, encouraging employers to contribute to their employees' HSAs.
Creates a national market for health insurance by allowing individuals to purchase health insurance plans in any state.
Provides block grants to states to develop innovative models that ensure affordable health insurance coverage for Americans with pre-existing health conditions.
Reduces predatory and frivolous malpractice lawsuits against physicians and hospitals.
Assures that every health care consumer has access to price information prior to treatment so they can make informed decision about their care.
Repeals financial bailouts (TARP) to fund health care vouchers.
Source